Page 68 of These Immortal Truths
Frank leans on her desk. “When you gonna cut loose with us, Betty? Forget the paperwork and come have yourself a good time?”
Anna hides a smile. “Not tonight, it seems.”
“Or tomorrow, neither,” he grumbles. “Come on, Betty! What’s it gonna take for you to give a guy a chance?”
Tony hooks an arm around Frank’s wide shoulders, pulling him into a brotherly half-hug. “Who says it isn’t just you? Fine girl like Betty? She’s probably already gotta bloke to cut therug with.”
Frank looks physically heartbroken by the prospect. “Applesauce. You don’t really gotta fella, do you, Betty?”
Anna’s smile turns coy. “A lady doesn’t kiss and tell.”
Frank groans. Tony laughs, hand slapping his cousin’s shoulder. “See? Didn’t I tell ya?”
“Yeah, yeah, come off it,” Frank grumbles, brushing him off. “I’m still not convinced. I ain’t seen her go out even once!”
The door opens, both boys immediately straighten—fists ready. It wouldn’t be the first time the streets made its way into the office, but it takes Anna only a glance to recognize the tall figure in the doorway.
He gives her a dazzling smile, hands tucked into the pockets of his expensive looking suit. “Betty, darling. Are you almost finished up?”
The look on the boys’ faces would almost be funny if Frank didn’t look downright heartbroken.
Anna offers him a consoling smile, but plays her role. It’s better this way. Frank’s case of puppy love is better served elsewhere. “Just a few more odds and ends. It’ll only take me a moment.”
She catches the flash of amusement in his gaze before he turns to the other men in the room. “You must be Tony and Frank? Betty has told me wonderful things about you. I’m glad she’s made some friends. I was a touch worried when she said she was the only gal in the office.” Khiran extends a hand with a smile. “I’m James.”
Frank’s eyes narrow, but grudgingly accepts the handshake. “Nice to meet, ya. How long you know Betty for? She doesn’t talk about you much.”
Khiran’s lips twist, eyes gleaming as he turns to her. “How long has it been now, Betty? It feels like it’s been forever.”
“Oh, I’d say a few centuries at least, darling.”
Tony claps a hand on Frank’s back. “Well then, we won’t keep you two lovebirds, will we Frank? It was great meeting ya, really swell.”
Frank mutters something unintelligible under his breath, but lets his cousin guide him to the door. Before it can close behind them, Anna catches the beginning of what she’s sure will be thestart of a long-winded pep talk. Tony’s always been rather good at those. “Come on, bud. Nothing a tall glass of hooch can’t fix, right?”
Khiran chuckles, hands sinking into his suit pockets as he watches them leave. “My, Betty. You’ve only been here for a few months and already you’re breaking poor men’s hearts.”
Anna tidies up the last of the paperwork before slipping it into the drawer. “Frank only loves the idea of me because he sees me every day. I’m pretty sure he’d be enamored with just about any other young girl sitting behind this desk.” She shares a teasing glance. “Besides, I’m afraid he’s a little young for me.”
Holding a hand to his chest, he does his best to look affronted. The grin ruins it. “Certainly not. You don’t look a day over five hundred.”
Anna laughs, locking her drawer. “Pot calling the kettle black, much?”
“Perhaps.” He eyes her, a strangely contemplative look softening his features. “What are your plans for the evening?”
She shrugs. “Once Mr. Mooney comes to lock up, I’ll head home. Why?”
“There’s a lovely place called The Cotton Club. Have you heard of it?”
“Everyoneknows The Cotton Club,” she teases.
“Well, I’m certain that’s not true.”
She rolls her eyes. “Fine, anyone who knows anything knows about it. Better?”
“Not entirely, no.” He leans against her desk, head tilting. “Come out and dance with me.”
She scoffs, thinking it’s a joke, but when he doesn’t laugh with her, her smile falters. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not dressed for dancing.”
